Fugitive in Syracuse gang crackdown found hiding in closet

Syracuse, NY -- A man sought as part of a federal crackdown on gangs in Syracuse was found today, hiding under a pile of clothes in a closet of an East Side apartment, a prosecutor said.

Kentwan Brown, 22, is one of 11 people facing federal drug charges in the crackdown. He is accused of being a member of the Uptown gang, whose territory covered East Fayette Street between Columbus and Croly streets, according to court documents.

Brown was charged with possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Katko said.

Syracuse police and the U.S. Marshals Service learned Brown was at the apartment today, Katko said. He did not release the exact address.

One other person, whom the Syracuse Gang Violence Task Force would not identify, is still a fugitive in the case. Nine other men are already in custody.